How to Write a Research Paper Outline

Every well-written research paper needs to be organized concisely and logically. This can be challenging due to the extensive amount of information available on different topics. Still, a research paper outline will help you organize and present your ideas in your writing journey. An outline will serve as guidance as it ensures consistency and easy organization of ideas for your research paper. The outline will also help readers easily navigate your paper. In this piece, we will extensively dive into how to cover research paper outlines, including the key issues and steps to consider while writing them.

 

Structure of a Research Paper Outline

A research paper outline will assist you to present concepts clearly and in a logical way. You can choose to use a detailed or brief outline depending on the goal of your research paper. It is also crucial that you follow a clear and consistent formatting method for the outline. For example, you can use Roman numerals (I, II, III) for key points and capital letters for subtopics. There are different types of research paper outlines, as discussed below.

 

1.Alphanumeric Research Paper Outline

The alphanumeric outline provides a concise roadmap to your research paper. This type of structure utilizes a combination of letters and numbers when creating your outline as follows:

  1. Introduction
    1. Background information
    2. Thesis statement
  2. Body Paragraphs
    1. Main point 1
      1. Topic sentence
      2. Supporting information
    2. Main point 2
      1. Topic sentence
      2. Supporting information
    3. Main point 3
      1. Topic sentence
      2. Supporting information
  • Conclusion
  1. References

 

2.Full-sentence Research Paper Outline

This type of outline has a more detailed structure and utilizes complete sentences to describe every section and sub-section. The structure offers the reader a clear understanding of the argument you intend to address in every paragraph. The advantage of using this type of outline is that it is specific and creates a logical flow of ideas. The format also helps identify areas where your arguments may need further development. The following is an illustration of a full-sentence research paper outline on the prevalence of social media usage among youths.

Introduction

  • Briefly introduce the prevalence of social media usage among teenagers and why this is a cause for concern.
  • Write a thesis statement about the complex relationship between social media and adolescents. You may refer to our guide on how to write a thesis statement if you need further direction on how to create a solid thesis statement.

Body paragraphs

Positive Impacts of Social Media

  • Social media fosters a sense of belonging and connection for young people. (Provide evidence and examples of how online communities and support groups benefit teenagers from quality academic sources).
  • Social media platforms provide a source of self-expression (Provide evidence on how young people use social media to enhance creativity).

Negative Impacts of Social Media

  • Social media has been linked to feelings of inadequacy, resulting in anxiety and depression. (Explain how social media affects self-esteem and its results)
  • Disruption of sleep patterns and decreased physical activity. (Find evidence to show how the constant use of social media affects young people’s lifestyles).

Conclusion

  • Summarize key findings on the impacts of social media on young people.
  • Provide suggestions for further research or implications for your study.
  1. References
  • Include all the sources you have cited using an appropriate referencing style.

 

3.Decimal Research Paper Outline

This type of outline uses numerical systems and decimals to indicate a data hierarchy. The main topics are listed as whole numbers (1.0) with increasing decimal points, while subtopics use one decimal point (1.1). It may be structured as follows:

1.Introduction

  • Background information
  • Thesis Statement

2.Body Paragraphs

  • Main point 1
  • Main Point 2

3.Conclusion

Refer to our guide on how to write a research summary for comprehensive insights that you could apply regardless of the  research  paper  outline that you choose to use.

How to Write an Outline for a Research Paper

Steps in Writing an Outline for a Research Paper

Steps in Writing a Research Paper Outline

The length of your outline will depend on the requirements given by your professor for the research paper. For instance, the topic you need to cover as well as the length of the paper will determine the approach to, and depth of your research paper outline.

Steps on How to Write an Outline for a Research Paper
 

  1. Select a topic and relevant sources for your research paper
  2. Create a list of important subject areas you intend to cover
  3. Select the best research paper outline for the assignment
  4. Include basic sections including the introduction, body and conclusion)
  5. Add more details and revise if necessary

 

 

 

Step 1: Topic and Sources Selection

The initial stage in writing your plan is to select a topic and search for appropriate academic sources for your paper. Sometimes, your professor will provide a topic for your research paper. However, when there is no provided topic, select an interesting topic for you and your reader Write down all the ideas you collect with evidence from the sources and develop a thesis statement that explains your paper’s central argument.

Step 2: Create a List of Important Subject Areas You Intend to Cover

Peruse through your research and note every theme and subtopic alongside their available evidence. You should write all related information together to develop your body paragraphs easily later. Additionally, ascertain that everything you note aligns with the main idea you selected in step one.

Step 3: Select the Best Research Paper Outline for the Assignment

Select the best type of research paper outline that matches the needs of your paper, depending on the assignment’s length. While complex papers may require detailed outlines, simple research may require a simple outline. For instance, see the example we have provided at the end of this paper to understand what a more detailed outline should look like. Please note that a concise outline gives a more flexible approach that allows you to adjust the contents of the research as you complete your paper.

Step 4: Include Basic Sections (Introduction, boy, conclusion)

Most research papers have three main sections: an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. This will help put the main topics in order without the subtopics to ensure a logical organization. Key sections will provide you with the backbone of your paper and an opportunity to reorganize the points in case any adjustments are needed.

Step 5: Add More Details and Revise if Necessary

After creating a framework using the main sections, add more details. In this step, you can add more lines, such as topic sentences, support sentences, and possible conclusions for each paragraph. Finally, check your completed outline to see if there is room for improvement. Ensure that all the body paragraphs align with the thesis statement in the first step. If the outline meets all your standards, it is time to start working on your research paper.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a well-written research paper outline will be the backbone of your academic papers. By following the guidance in this article, you can produce quality research papers that follow a logical structure and organize ideas easily for readers to follow.

 

 

Research Paper Outline Example

1.Introduction

This paper focuses on the significance of creative justice in the context of cultural industries.

(It is important to integrate a brief statement or paragraph in your research paper outline to indicate the purpose of your research paper)

2.Creative justice overview

(In this section (2.), some background information is provided. For a detailed research paper outline, such information is important, since it comes handy in grounding the discussion when it comes to writing the actual research paper. Remember, where you are required to cover a short research paper, you may not need to delve into such detail; meaning you can design an outline without a background section, and opt to jump right into the body paragraphs.)

  • Creative justice underlines the need for fair allocation of opportunities and rewards among all parties engaged in the cultural industries including film, music and art. The creative economy ought to be free from inequality, discrimination and misrecognition (Banks, 2017).
  • There ought to be even distribution of work/jobs within the creative/ cultural industries. Every individual should have a fair chance to enter participate in and earn from cultural industries. Creative justice can be expressed from the cultural, economic and political perspectives (Banks, 2017)
  • The categories through which injustice may emerge comprise ethnicity, race, gender and social status.

 

(In the next four paragraphs, 3.1-3.4, this research paper outline example shows you how to structure the outline for your body paragraphs. In this case, the outline puts forward extensive detail to help create a concrete approach in writing the final paper. As we have indicated in our guide on writing a research paper outline, it is important to create a list of important subject areas or topic you intend to cover. Note how each paragraph focuses on a separate topic)

3.Creative justice in cultural industries

3.1There lacks fair representation in creative jobs such as writers, directors, producers, and actors. White supremacy is bolstered at the expense of other racial groups.

  • A 2020 study by university of Southern California revealed that of the top 100 films produced between 2006-2019, only 34% of characters were women in 2019, compared to 30% in 2007, meaning there was no substantial growth in representation of the group. 66% of speaking characters were white. 36 of the films had no speaking Asian characters, 44 lacked Hispanic speaking characters and 15 had no black speaking characters (Topaz et al., 2022)
  • 80% of directors in all top grossing films were white (Topaz et al., 2022)
  • Underrepresentation of women in commercial art galleries. An evaluation of 34 galleries in 2015 showed that only 29%o of arties engaged were women.
  • In Hollywood, minorities make up less than 20% of lead roles and there is a lack of diversity among directors and writers.
    • In China’s media and entertainment, there is little representation of ethnic minorities from regions like Xinjiang and Tibet.

(In the above section 3.1, we see the use of both numbered and bullet points. Remember, as you write an outline for a research paper, you need to consider easy navigation, to make it effortless for the reader or your professor to note your main points. This also makes it easier for you to progress in an organized manner as you cover your final paper.)

 

3.2Individuals from minority racial and ethnic groups experience creative injustice through barriers to entry as they have to put in extra effort to be included or considered for work in creative environments.

  • There exist systemic obstacles for participation from disadvantaged groups in media jobs, such as resources and connections. For instance, lack of diversity programs lead to low minority enrolment in US film schools.

–Only 15% of directors in the US film industry are women

  • Rural youth in China lack networks and finances to enter competitive entertainment field.

3.3People should have fair opportunities to express themselves and obtain recognition. Women and minority groups lack recognition in the cultural industry

  • Between 2012-2020, only 12 of Grammy nominees were women
  • While 60% of animation students in Europe and the US are women, only 34% of positions in the animation industry are occupied by women owing to stereotypes about women’s capabilities (Arts Council England, 2019)
  • In China, female voices are undervalued in entrepreneurship within creative industries. Where female voices are heard, they may be sexualized and may turn into targets of criticism. This may compel women to intentionally embrace invisibility (Howkins, 2020)

3.4 The cultural industries evidence myriad inequalities in revenue distribution

  • Women and minority groups are undercompensated. A study of 1.5 million art auctions in different parts of the world evidenced that paintings by women were discounted at 48% compared to paintings by men (Topaz et al., 2022).
  • Content creators and labor do not share equally in the financial success achieved through commercialization.
  • Musicians lose out on streaming royalties compared to big record labels and platforms.
  • TV production crew workers in China face long hours and low compensation compared to stars.
  • Decision makers make decisions on the sort of content that will reach consumers. Studies show that up to 85% of record companies in UK sign men, only 35% sign women. Majority of recording labels pay men an average 34% more than women (Topaz et al., 2022).

(In parts 3.2-3.4, this research paper outline example shows you how to delineate the major topics from the subtopics. The key points are marked as 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, whereas the subtopics are marked in bullets.)

 

4.Solutions

  • Advocate for change through inclusion of policy makers and industry organizations to promote inclusion and equity through needed policies and practices, and funding
  • Create supportive networks for women and minority groups to offer training and mentorship. This will boost their confidence, skills and expertise

5.Conclusion

(In the conclusion, you will note down a summary of all key points that you have discussed in your research paper. However, it may be more practical to draft your conclusion after you covered the entire research paper, rather than when you are creating the research paper outline.)

You can also read A comprehensive Guide on how to write an analytical essay. 

We hope that this guide and our example on how to write a research paper outline has been helpful. In case you still feel overwhelmed with your outline however, reach us for further guidance and we will be glad to assist at a reasonable price. We offer assignment help service and we do also offer nursing assignment help service to all nurses.

 

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